Definition of languorousnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languorous As the days grow shorter and darker, and temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like knowing there’s a warm, welcoming bed awaiting you at home to usher in a cozy night’s sleep, and long, languorous mornings when time allows. Hannah Coates, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2025 The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025 And throughout a 100-minute show, Cain recounted the story of a preacher’s daughter through wailing vocals, haunting drones, and meditative, languorous chants. Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025 Planned or not, that mess is smoothed out as the film proceeds, and Washington’s performance goes from languorous and dazed to razor-sharp and darkly humorous—reminiscent of the work he’s done for Lee in the past. David Sims, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languorous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languorous
Adjective
  • The second movement begins with a languid viola solo played with velvety elegance by the Philharmonic’s principal, Cynthia Phelps.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Many of us long for the days of the old South Beach, with its neighborhood bakeries, languid pace, shabby but genuine character, and the retired people who loved the place.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Earlier in the season, Pope apologized to the fan base after a listless 88-69 loss to Virginia in the home opener.
    Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The Moment is a comedy with almost no effective jokes, a listless sense of pacing, and cinematography that is stylized but really not that stylish.
    Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Whitt was demanding lackadaisical players perform up-downs when Sumrall’s booming voice rang out.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The Timberwolves started 8 of 13 from 3-point range, posted a 40-point first quarter and ballooned their lead to 17 points late in the second quarter before a lackadaisical start to the second half.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Simmons said Tarrant families are tired of O’Hare’s bullying, silencing and antics.
    Rachel Royster March 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026
  • His poor metrics are the result of the Panthers looking tired and worn down in front of him, and Bobrovsky not being consistently at his absolute best.
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Players and snaps added or lost are via the portal only (numbers do not include players lost due to exhausted eligibility or draft declarations).
    Manny Navarro, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Each diagnosis brings its own set of decisions, procedures and treatments that quite frankly leave me feeling physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted.
    L'Oreal Thompson Payton, SELF, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Crafted into undone bends, the style disguises flyaways and limp ends.
    Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026
  • These plantain treats — bound to make French fries and onion rings turn limp and soggy with insecurity — are merely a weekly afternoon delight.
    Kalpana Mohan, Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The series’ Vladimir, played by Leo Woodall, is a rising literary star and a young father who’s just arrived at a sleepy upstate college, where he and his wife are set to teach.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Then, last Tuesday, Jackie started pancaking — lying flat in the nest bowl — for long stretches and her eyes looked sleepy.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Languorous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languorous. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on languorous

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster